The Dream Is Now: Discussing Immigration Reform with the UCCIR

On May 20, 2010, a group of 60 or so students, many of whom were undocumented immigrants, rallied on Bartlett Quad to present two demands to the administration: That the University provide two merit-based scholarships for undocumented students and write a letter to Congress appealing for a process that would lead to their citizenship status.

The University responded with two statements declaring their support for undocumented students on campus—the number of which remains unclear. However, the University of Chicago Coalition for Immigrant Rights (UCCIR), the organizers of the May 20 rally, are still hard at work.

The UCCIR raises awareness about undocumented immigrants by hosting discussions and panels throughout the year, their latest of which is set for Thursday, October 24. In the main OMSA conference room, members of the UCCIR and their guests will view a screening for “The Dream Is Now.” Released in April 2013, “The Dream Is Now” follows the story of six young undocumented immigrants and their struggles to achieve the ultimate goal: Obtaining a U.S. citizenship.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of their stories is how young they are, as all six individuals are of or around college age. This allows the UCCIR to raise powerful questions about immigration reform, as the plight of undocumented students points to the challenges of a largely hidden student body.

“[‘The Dream Is Now’] originally came out right before the summer, so it addresses a lot more modern and current immigration issues,” explains UCCIR member Lynda Lopez. “It’s important to listen to different stories because people still don’t know a lot about the path of reform. This is partly because it has lost some momentum in the media lately with the government shutdown and other issues, so we’re trying to make sure people stay informed.”

A large part of this effort involves leading discussions about immigration reform and its obstacles. As an example, Lopez points to the portrayals of “good and bad immigrants” that have dominated the media landscape and shed a negative light on immigration.

“There’s always a changing definition of ‘good’ immigrants and ‘bad’ immigrants depending on who we’re taught to fear. But students aren’t the only people who should be considered for citizenship status…there are so many other hardworking undocumented immigrants who deserve it, too.”

The first step towards improvement, in this case, begins with an intimate discussion that will spring from six distinct stories.